Project Christmas Wish

Lucy, who is like a "Secret Santa" runs a program called “Project Christmas Wish,” a community program that makes holiday wishes come true for those in need. 

When she meets Lucas, a recently widowed father, and his adorable daughter Max, Lucy finds herself helping them rediscover the joy and hope that the season brings, and in the process, she finds some much needed healing of her own.

Set in a charming town where twinkling lights line the street and hot cocoa flows as freely as kindness, this movie captures the spirit of giving that defines Christmas.  It’s not just about presents or decorations; it’s about community, connection and second chances. 

The chemistry between Lucy (Amanda Schull) and Lucas (Travis Van Winkle) is evident, and they both make this heartwarming movie an especially touching one. 

This movie has a special message, that the greatest gifts aren’t wrapped under the tree but found in the people who enter our lives when we least expect them. It’s a gentle reminder that no matter what the circumstance, there’s still room for miracles… especially at Christmastime.

Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

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A Christmas Prayer

A young girl, Caroline (Madeleine Cox), who is being raised by her widowed, Dad, Wes (Christopher Russell), has unshakable faith.  After losing her mom a few years ago, she trusts in Jesus, and by the request of her teacher, creates a list of Christmas prayers for others.  She prays for her mailman, who needs the funds to travel to see his daughter, a widow whose husband always brought her poinsettias and a schoolmate who is in need of a new coat and boots.  This unselfish child also prayed that her father would be happy, as he's lost his spirit when his wife passed.  

Natalie (Shae Robins) is an illustrator, who has been looking for some new Christmas inspiration.  She stumbles upon Caroline and her dad, literally, as she walked by them with her over-sized purse and accidentally knocked over their cups.  Natalie immediately begins to help clean up and apologized.  She noticed a paper that had dropped during the cleanup, which contained Caroline's prayer list.  Without knowing this list would become the inspiration Natalie decided to help make this little girl's prayers come true.  

Natalie, collected the funds needed for the mailman's plane ticket, secretly dropped off poinsettia plants to the window and bought new clothing for her schoolmate, wrapped it up and dropped it off at school to be given to the girl anonymously.  With these actions, she began writing and created a child's book about an angel who helps answer prayers.

Throughout the movie, happenstance brings Natalie, Caroline and her father together.  Natalie invites Caroline and Wes to her home to bake cookies; while there, Wes comes across Caroline's list.  Wes is upset as he feels Natalie may have been using his daughter for her own self-serving promotion and immediately leaves with his daughter.

Caroline, being the faith-filled child she is, tells her dad that she had known all along that Natalie was responsible for all of her prayers being answered, but that she knows that Jesus uses others to answer prayers.  

This faith-filled story will keep you inspired throughout the movie.  

Matthew 18:3 (NIV)

And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 

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A FAMILY THANKSGIVING

🦃💼

You will enjoy this Hallmark Thanksgiving movie, reminding us that real connection is what makes life truly abundant.  

Claudia (Daphne Zuniga) is a high-powered attorney whose idea of “holiday spirit” usually involves closing deals rather than carving turkeys. She’s got the designer heels, the city view, and a phone that never stops buzzing but does not make time to spend with her family. Even if it's a holiday, work is her priority.

Then, a mysterious woman named Gina (Faye Dunaway) gives Claudia a glimpse into the life she could have had, complete with a husband, two adorable kids and a home where laughter and chaos mix.  Suddenly, her carefully ordered world is replaced by school lunches, soccer games, and burnt stuffing, and wouldn’t you know it, her heart starts to thaw like a turkey in the oven.

It’s a whimsical reminder that success is lovely, but it's not what's really important. This adorable movie stirs together humor, warmth, and a pinch of magic into a feel-good recipe perfect for the season that we all love.

So as you settle in with your leftovers and a soft throw blanket, this is the movie to remind you that the best blessings aren’t in our inboxes; they’re sitting right beside us at the table. 

Ecclesiastes 4:6 NIV

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind."

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SNOWED INN

🎅

The story follows Jenna (Bethany Joy Lenz) and Kevin (Andrew Walker), two mismatched magazine writers, one organized and cautious, the other spontaneous and free-spirited, who are reluctantly paired for an assignment. When a snowstorm reroutes their travel plans, they end up stranded in a picture-perfect small town that’s all twinkle lights, homemade cookies, and heartwarming traditions.

What begins as a travel nightmare turns into a Christmas dream. Between baking, a quaint old inn, and Christmas magic, the pair discover that maybe the best stories aren’t the ones we plan, but the ones that find us when we’re “Snowed Inn.”

Jenna and Kevin have warm chemistry.  The Inn is a character all its own like a warm, wood-paneled hug.

If you love movies where deadlines turn into destinies and blizzards bring people together, this movie is a charmer.  It’s proof that sometimes being stuck is exactly where you’re meant to be, meaning sometimes pausing and letting go is the way to move forward.

Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. 

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"The Man Who Saved Christmas"

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Based on the true story of A.C. Gilbert, a toy maker, during WWI.    

A.C. Gilbert (Jason Alexander), a toy maker, who is determined to continue making toys during WWI after the Government summoned him to use his factory for the war effort.  He lobbies the Government to allow toys to continue to be made.  His appeal to them was that children need to have hope and to play with things that will enhance their learning abilities.  BTW, A.C. Gilbert is the inventor of the Erector Set.

From what I understand,a number of the details in the movie are not accurate, but the gist of the story is what makes this movie more than just another Christmas flick.  It's about hope.  

The hope referred to in this movie emerges from the period of WWI; however, hope embraces all generations, especially at Christmastime. Hope brings us happiness.  

Just as back in WWI in 1918, we, as parents and grandparents, have an obligation to encourage our children and grandchildren to thrive and learn with hope, which is expectation, and with faith, which is trust.  

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see"

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Erector Set

Chemistry Set

The Auto Biography of A.C. Gilbert

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"The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"

🎄🎄🎄

Jennifer (Brooke Burns), a driven business woman, educated and overly organized, is getting ready for the Christmas Holidays.  She is looking forward to meeting her jeweler and materialistic boyfriend's family for the first time this year.  

Her over-protective, retired NYC Cop, Uncle Ralph (Henry Winkler) is flying into Chicago from NYC, as he always does, to be with Jennifer, her son, Brian (Connor Christopher) and his sister, Jennifer's mom who was going to cook the Christmas turkey!

In a matter of a day, everything changes!  Jennifer's assistant, Denise, (Ruklya Bernard) tells her that her mom left a message that she is not coming. because she is taking an unexpected cruise and also that the one present her son, Brian, is asking for is the go-to toy of the year, a "Rocket Wheel" bike.  This late in the season, they are almost impossible to get.  Jennifer panics, as she never cooked a turkey before and how was she going to impress her boyfriend's family?!  How would she ever find a "Rocket Wheel" for Brian?!

Uncle Ralph, who is not a seasoned airport traveler, meets Morgan Derby (Warren Christie) who is a chef and who is traveling to meet his girlfriend.  They are looking into opening up their own restaurant, but with no solid plan in place.  Morgan sees how confused Ralph is at the airport and offers to help him.  They become rapid friends; Ralph likes the character he sees in Morgan.  

Upon arriving at the airport, Morgan's connecting flight is cancelled.  Ralph feels badly for Morgan and asks Jennifer if he could stay with them for just one night.  She immediately said no; that is, until she found out he was a chef and Turkey is his specialty.  One night turns into a few nights with Uncle Ralph's help.  Uncle Ralph does not like Jennifer's boyfriend, so he keeps making excuses why Morgan needs to stay.  Jennifer and Morgan do begin to have "something" between them, just as the boyfriend surprises Jennifer with an engagement ring; once she reluctantly accepts. 

Morgan then leaves and placed a thank you note on Jennifer's kitchen counter.  Unfortunately, the boyfriend sees the note and puts it in his pocket.  When Jennifer realizes that Morgan left without even as much as a goodbye, she is furious.  That is until Christmas Day, when the boyfriend tells Brian to go into his coat pocket because there's a gift in there for him, and Brian pulls out the note instead.  

Once Jennifer realizes the deception, she breaks off the engagement.  She also realizes that Morgan had taught her much about the holidays and living a good life.  Uncle Ralph encourages her to go to the airport and tell Morgan how she feels.  Unlike her, she does!  When she arrives, it looks like she missed him, but by accident she hits the intercom button with her large purse, her story is being heard by the whole airport.  Morgan realizes it's him she's talking about and races to find her.  They both return to Jennifer's home where Uncle Ralph declares, "Now! This is Christmas!"

Luke 12:15 (NIV)

"Then he said to them, "Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a person's life does not consist in the abundance of their possessions."

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IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE - 1947

🎄🎄🎄

A drifter named Aloysius "Mac" McKeever (Victor Moore) skillfully has watched the comings and goings of a very rich business man named Mike O'Connor (Charles Ruggles).  Mac knows when Mr. O'Connor is living in his Northern residence and when he "snow birds" down South.  So Mac makes himself comfortable by staying in Mr. O'Connor's empty residences during the times of the year he is away.  

While Mac is staying at Mr. O'Connor's luxurious home in New York City, he meets a Veteran, Jim Bullock (Don DeFore), who has recently been evicted from a building owned by Mr. O'Conner.  Mac invites  him to stay with him, unbeknownst to Jim that Mac is staying there under false pretenses.  

One evening, someone enters the home and proceeds upstairs to a bedroom.  The unknown visitor happens to be the daughter of Mr. O'Connor, Trudy O'Connor, (Gail Storm), who has left school against her father's wishes.  She is startled when she realizes two men are in the house and are trying to stop her from what they think is stealing a fur coat.  

Mac and Jim question her, however she catches on very quickly that Mac is a drifter taking advantage of her family's home being empty for the winter.  She decides to keep her identity a secret and play along and tells them that she was desperate for something to wear because she was going on an interview.  Mac takes pity on her and asks her to stay.  She does, and it doesn't hurt that she also has an attraction for the veteran, Jim.  

This pretense starts snowballing, as Mr. O'Connor returns to NYC to find his daughter.  When he arrives home, she greets him immediately and somehow convinces him to play along.  She is upset with her father because he does not agree with her action of leaving school, as she wants to follow her own passion.  To add more "fuel to the fire", she contacts her mother, Mary O'Connor (Ann Harding) who is the estranged wife of Mike O'Connor.  Trudy knows her mother will take her side.  

At this point in the story, we have Mac, Jim, Trudy, Mike O'Connor and his estranged wife, Mary, all living and pretending in the same house.  The plot thickens as more people are invited to live in the house due to no available housing.  

This is an amusing, warm and heartfelt movie, as everyone begins to realize that Mac, the drifter, is full of wisdom and true kindness.  As time goes on each person learns a valuable life lesson that no amount of money that Mike O'Connor has could possibly have had the same wonderful impact on their lives.  

Proverbs 3:13 NIV

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for they are more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 

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CROWN FOR CHRISTMAS

👑🎄🎅

Allie Evans (Danika McKellar) lives with her two siblings, Lisa (Rose Neville) and Aaron (Rollo Skinner) in a small apartment.  Since losing their parents, they have been on their own and sometimes money gets tight.

Allie and Lisa work as maids at a big New York City Hotel.  On one particular day, Lisa was messaged that she has gotten an audition, one that she had been hoping for.  However, she needed to be at the audition in an hour; the middle of her work day.  Allie knowing how important this was to Lisa, tells her to go, and she would cover the rooms herself.  

Allie's didn't anticipate that one particular room looked like it had three parties in it the night before and knew this was going to be a challenge.  She begins working quickly; however, her superior, who is waiting for the room to be finished, sees that Allie is by herself, so she fires Allie and her sister.....and it's right before Christmas.   As Allie leaves upset and frustrated, she hands her superior a watch that was left in the room.  There's a man standing outside of the door who overhears their conversation and is impressed by Allie's actions.

The man, Fergus (Pavel Douglas) happens to work for a King.  King Maximillian (Rupert Penry-Jones) is a widowed father of a rebellious 10-year old girl.  He has been having difficulty keeping a Governess, because of his daughter's challenging behavior.  Fergus decides to pursue finding Allie and after checking her background, offers her the job.  It pays so well, it will help Allie's family, so she accepts the offer.

Allie is flown to Europe and is introduced to some unwelcoming servants in the castle, but finds others who are genuinely kind.  She has no problem speaking her mind which sometimes gets her in trouble, but the King secretly is finding it most refreshing.  

As the weeks go on, Allie is put to the challenge with Princess Theodora (Ellie Botterill), but manages to outsmart her every time.  After awhile Theodora becomes attached to Allie, and so does the King.   

I'll stop there, hoping you'll watch this entertaining flick that's a bit of a "Cinderella-type" tale; however, it's really about being true to yourself.  What kind of happy ending will there be? 

Proverbs 21:3 (NIV)

"To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."

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THE CHRISTMAS BOX

🎄🎄🎄

A very wealthy widow, Mrs. Parkin (the great Maureen O'Hara) lives alone and is looking for a live-in couple as caretakers.  The Evans family, Keri (Annette O'Toole), Richard (Richard Thomas) and their young daughter, Jenna (Kelsey Mulrooney) interview for the position.  Richard's work has really impacted his family life, so they have decided to make a change.

Mrs. Parkin is guarded, but hires the family.  Richard, the husband, also does not warm up to Mrs. Parkin as quickly as his wife does.  As time progresses, they learn a little more about each other, and Mrs. Parkin takes a special interest in little Jenna.  

There is a mystery though, one that Mrs Parkin holds close to her heart and keeps to herself.   

This is a story of compassion, learning and acceptance.  You'll see both Mrs. Parkin and Richard learn valuable lessons from one another. 

Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

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WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS

🎄🎄🎄

Julie (Erica Durance), a recently widowed, single mom, has just moved into a new neighborhood.  This will be her's and her son, Gavin's (Azriel Dahman) first Christmas without her husband.  

Next door to Julie lives Irene (Lynn Whitfield).  Irene and her husband raised a grandson together, and after he passed, she did it alone.  Her grandson is now grown and in the military.  She sees him at Christmastime when he always finds a way to come home.   

Irene has tried to reach out to Julie, but Julie's responses are short and she seems to be a bit withdrawn.  

During the Christmas holidays, Gavin attends a children's group where Irene works.  Irene recognizes Gavin, and they become friends.  Irene takes a special interest in her new neighbor and is willing to help in any way she can. 

Julie continues to try to do everything with Gavin that was done when her husband was alive and is uncomfortable with her son's friendship with Irene.   Irene is a bit offended but respects Julie's feelings.  

With Irene's continued kindnesses, Julie begins to warm up.  They begin to have some in-depth conversations.  Irene confides in Julie as she also raised a child on her own.  Julie can't help but take note of the many very special things Irene does for others.  Irene's support is life-changing for her.  She begins to open up and even socializes a bit.  This socializing includes a very special restaurateur, Peter (Patrick Sabongui), who Julie is working with to update his restaurant. 

When Julie hears that Irene has received the disappointing news that her Grandson will not be able to make it home this Christmas, she decides, with Peter's help, to repay Irene with a gift that could never have a monetary value.  

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control"

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The Thanksgiving House

🦃🦃🦃

A local historian, Everett (Justin Bruening), has been collecting soil samples in the area hoping to locate the site of the first Thanksgiving.  One of the landowners recently passed and left her home to her niece, Mary (Emily Rose), a single woman and an attorney from the City. 

Mary has many fond memories of the house and the visits with her aunt.  When she discovers a stranger on her property taking soil samples, she immediately asks him to leave the property.   

Everett persists in attempting to connect with the Mary hoping that he can make her understand the historical importance of his work, and the significance of her house if it was the site of the very first Thanksgiving.

As time passes and Mary begins to live in the house, and the idea of keeping her Aunt's home as her own becomes very appealing.  

Everett's mother, Abigail (Lindsay Wagner) decides to try and connect with Mary.  At first, Mary is resistant, but after some conversations, she begins to open up.   Abigail learns that Mary and her dad are estranged.   By relating to her with a story of her own past, Abigail encourages Mary to reconnect with her father.  Mary begins to understand what's really important in life.

Without giving away the ending of this unique story, I'll tell you that as with all of these uplifting movies, it's a good and fulfilling ending.  

How would you feel if the home you owned was the site of the first Thanksgiving?  

 Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how we many spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

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Holiday Affair - 1949

🎅🎅🎅

Connie Ennis, (Janet Leigh) who is a widowed, single mom, works as a "Comparison Shopper".   During a busy shopping day during the holidays, she approaches sales clerk, Steve Mason (Robert Mitchum) asking for a specific train set with no other questions and has the exact amount of money needed to pay for it.  Steve already suspects she is a "Comparison Shopper", but writes up the order and gives Connie the Train.

Steve was sure he was correct and wanted to turn her in; however, after she told him she was a widow and had a son, he felt guilty to do that to a single mother.  However, his supervisor notices what has happened and Steve loses his job, but buys the train for Connie's son, Timmy.

This begins a relationship between, Steve, Connie and Timmy, but Connie has a steady boyfriend that she was never really sure she loved.  He has been asking her to marry him and she never seems to be enthusiastic about the subject.  Steve, of course, is handsome, exciting and Timmy likes him.  (Timmy isn't comfortable with Connie's steady).  This creates a bit of an uncomfortable situation when the two happen to be at Connie's apartment together.    You know who "will get the girl".

This is an unusual story line, as physical Comparison Shoppers are almost a lost art, as most of us use the tools off of the internet.   It's a great movie, true to the period of the 1940s, from the hand-written sales slips to the seamed stockings.  

I watch it every year, just like I make sure to see all of my favorite Christmas Movies; however, this one along with a few others are from the 1940s; i.e., Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life and It Happened on 5th Avenue.   I find the era intriguing.  

Isaiah 40:31

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint"

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Wonderful, Forgotten Thanksgiving Movies

Below is a list of some Thanksgiving Movies that seem to have been forgotten.  I've not included "The Thanksgiving House" and "Miracle on 34th Street" that I've reviewed yet in this blog.  

                                         Happy Thanksgiving!

The Gathering 

In this TV classic, a man (Ed Asner) who is terminally ill tries to reunite with his estranged family for one last Thanksgiving together. A deeply emotional story about forgiveness, family, and second chances.

A Family Thanksgiving

A career-driven lawyer (Daphne Zuniga) is magically shown what her life could have been if she had chosen family over work. Through this alternate Thanksgiving reality, she learns the true meaning of gratitude and love.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles 

A classic comedy where a tightly-wound man (Steve Martin) just wants to get home for Thanksgiving, but his trip turns into chaos when he’s stuck traveling with an overly talkative shower curtain ring salesman (John Candy). Lots of mishaps, but heartwarming in the end.

Home for the Holidays

Directed by Jodie Foster, this film follows a woman (Holly Hunter) who returns to her parents’ house for Thanksgiving. Between family drama, awkward relatives, and unexpected surprises, it’s funny, touching, and very relatable.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

The beloved animated special where Charlie Brown scrambles to put together a Thanksgiving dinner for his friends with Snoopy’s help. It’s simple, nostalgic, and full of heart.

Pieces of April

Katie Holmes stars as April, a young woman estranged from her family who invites them over for Thanksgiving dinner in her tiny New York apartment. With her oven broken, she struggles to pull it off, but the movie beautifully mixes humor, tension, and heartfelt moments.

Dutch

Ed O’Neill stars as Dutch, a working-class man who offers to bring his girlfriend’s snobby son home from boarding school for Thanksgiving. The road trip turns into a hilarious and heartfelt bonding experience.

Psalm 23:5 (NIV)

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." 

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THE CHRISTMAS CARD

The Christmas Card in 2006 is a fan-favorite for many years that aired before "Countdown To Christmas" began in 2009.  

A Christmas Card is given to a soldier, Cody (John Newton), while deployed in Afghanistan.  The card was written by a very caring young woman from Nevada City named Faith (Alice Evans).  She is the daughter and only child of Luke (Ed Asner) who owns and operates a lumber mill.  

Cody's tour of duty is coming to an end and is encouraged by a senior officer to take some time for himself to see what's next in life.  Because of the very heartfelt Christmas Card he received, something brings him to Nevada City.  

He meets Luke at Church who is immediately impressed with him (Luke served as well and feels a bond with Cody).  Cody is trustworthy and honest.  Luke strikes up conversation with him and as Cody leaves the building, Luke follows him out to continue the conversation.  As Luke is crossing the street he is almost struck by a speeding vehicle, but because Cody pushed him out of the way, Luke was okay.  From that point on, Luke called Cody his "hero buddy" and invites him for dinner and to stay the night.

Luke had much more up his sleeve.  From the moment he met Cody, he knew this is the man for his daughter and not the on and off relationship she was currently in.  Luke offers Cody a job at the mill for the holidays and encourages him to stick around.  Cody with no set plans, agrees.

Cody and Faith have an undeniable chemistry; however, she continues to be faithful to her boyfriend, Paul.  Paul (Ben Weber) himself sees the attraction the two have for each other, so he decides to propose to Faith, not because he was going to, but because he felt he was losing.  Initially, Faith accepts.  She tells Cody, and he is obviously disappointed and decides he should leave Nevada City.

After much soul-searching, on Christmas Eve, while in Church, Faith realizes she cannot marry Paul; she's in love with Cody.   Her father, Luke, just might know how to find him.  

Luke 16:10 (NIV)

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

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"All I Want For Christmas"

Hallmark Christmas movies began a long time ago, however, "Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas" began in 2009.  This movie is from 2007.

Sara Armstrong (Gail O'Grady) is a widow and mom who runs a community center in honor of her deceased Police Officer husband.  The center is in jeopardy as the building is being sold.  Feeling that his mom is lonely, Sara's 10 year-old son, Jesse (Jimmy Pinchak), wants to help her find a husband.  He hears of a Toy Company that is holding a contest looking for the perfect Christmas story to help boost their presence.   

Jessie enters his mom in the contest saying how wonderful she is and how any man would be lucky to meet her.  Without any of this known to Sara, she is confronted by the Toy Company indicating that her son has won the contest.  

Sara is initially upset until she presents the Toy Company with a proposal.  She would agree to their finding her a husband with all of the publicity if they would give her the money needed to purchase the building the center occupies.

As Sara goes on date after date, her son is being looked after by her very loyal neighbor, Ben (Robert Mailhouse) who secretly has always adored Sara and has a wonderful relationship with her son.  For some reason Sara never looked at Ben as a prospect, but loved their friendship and the many things they did together.  

As the dating progresses, Sara is pressured into accepting a marriage proposal, almost as if she got caught up in the "find me a husband" issue.  The relationship ends abruptly when Sara realizes the man she has been dating has no patience or understanding for her son.  She calls the engagement off.   

The Toy Company was going to use Sara's engagement as their happily ever after Christmas story.   To save their reputation, the Toy Company gives Sara's the funds needed to buy the building.

After all is said and done, Sara realized she had forgotten for a moment what was really important.  She realized all that she really loved was right in front of her the whole time....yes, Ben.  

Hebrews 13:5

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you"

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"An Unexpected Christmas"

This movie has to be one of the most amusing and outrageous story lines, but in the true humorous fashions of Tyler Hines and Bethany Joy Lenz, this movie is very entertaining.   

Jamie (Tyler Hines) broken up with this girlfriend, Emily (Bethany Joy Lenz), months ago.  With his grandfather's passing, he never told his parents that they had broken up.  

Then, came the holidays when Jamie knew he had to travel home and finally tell his parents the truth.  As he is being picked up at the train station, Emily appears (who was there on business), but Jamie's family thinks they came together.  

Emily was furious to find out that Jamie never told his family.  She refuses to be the one to tell them, so she plays along for a bit.   A bit that turns into days after one roadblock after another.  Finally Jamie, asks Emily to stay for Christmas week to help his family get through the holidays.  He promises Emily a professional favor of an interview with the Governor if she'll play along.  She agrees.

As the week progresses, you guessed it, Jamie and Emily find they are still in love, and Jamie admits he broke up with Emily so she wouldn't miss a great career opportunity.  

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love"

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"With Love, Christmas"

Melanie (Emilie Ullerup) works at an ad agency.  The agency needs the perfect ad for a Christmas commercial that must be a winner.  

Her boss decides he needs two of his best to team up to handle this project.  He asks Melanie to work with her very handsome colleague, Donovan (Aaron O'Connell).  Donovan has been with the company just a year and has intentionally remained distant from the rest of his coworkers.  

With the theme being about Christmas, Melanie's enthusiasm for the holidays seems to make Donovan uncomfortable, as he doesn't make a big fuss about Christmas and is a bit of a "humbug".  Melanie also is a bit meek, so taking the lead with Donovan is a bit intimidating for her.  

Melanie decides she needs to find ways to warm Donovan up to the Christmas spirit.  She gets very creative from bringing him to a Christmas market and having him taste gingerbread cookies with lots of buttercream icing.  She talks about her family traditions and asks about his.  Slowly but surely, Donovan begins to warm up to Christmas and Melanie.

In addition to their joint efforts on the project, Melanie happens to have Donovan as her Secret Santa.  She creates a bogus email address and begins to communicate with Donovan.  Initially, Donovan's responses are short and cold, but as Melanie continues to email him, their conversations get a little more personal.  

A fun story line that you'll really enjoy with a bit of a twist at the end that Melanie never expected. 

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

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"Christmas By Starlight"

Annie Park (Kimberly Sustad) is an attorney and the daughter of the owners of the Starlight Cafe.  She discovers that the Cafe is being closed as a result of a development firm.  Annie is enraged as most of the businesses on their street have already closed and now her parents' long-occupied Cafe?!

Annie decides she is not going to let this happen without a fight.  She decides to address this with Mr. William Holt (Paul Campbell) the son of the owner of the development firm.  

Will, as he is called, does not have much interest in his father's business, so when Annie arrives to speak to him about the building, Will is initially resistant to listening to her, until he finds out she is an attorney.  He decides to tell his father that he has hired an attorney to assist him just to stop his father from "breathing down his neck".  

Annie (who really is a family law attorney) is asked by Will to play along and in return he promises that the Cafe will not be destroyed.  

As Annie and Will slowly get to know each other, Annie continues to act as his attorney, but begins to give Will some very valuable heartfelt life-lessons.  

The humor of Kimberly Sustad and Paul Campbell together has proven time after time to be good comedy, both in their acting and writing; however, each individually has that natural ability to keep their viewers laughing.  

Proverbs 21:3 (NIV)

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

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"Check Inn To Christmas" ....Tradition, Love and Family

It's the Masons vs, the Crawleys!   Two hometown B & B Owners whose families have been in business for four generations compete in everything from Accommodations, Baking, Christmas Decorating, and whatever else they can come up with.  It's all about outshining the other.

Julia (Rachel Boston) is the daughter of the the Crawley's and a Attorney who is visiting for Christmas. She never wanted to work at the family B & B. On the other hand Ryan (Wes Brown ) is the son of the the Mason's, pursued an MBA, has stayed in town, and manages the family business.

Julia and Ryan seem to keep running into each other and find they have a genuine liking and attraction for one another, but they must keep it from their folks, the rivals.  Until one day a Corporate Hotel Chain comes to town to tries to buy the B & Bs.  

Both the Crawleys and the Masons refuse to sell, so the Hotel chain tries to make a deal with the local Restaurant in the town's center. Hearing this, Julia and Ryan join forces to try and save their families' businesses.

After much calculating to get the families to stand together against the Hotel Chain, Julia & Ryan come up with an idea that would have absolutely applauded their ancestors.  As always, there's strength in numbers, so when both families realize the can not afford to buy the Restaurant on their own to keep the Hotel Chain from purchasing it, they know there is only one solution.

After four generations of feuding over whose B & B is best, they find the answer, they need to put their resources together and work as one.

Psalm 127:3-5 (NIV)

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him"

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"A Biltmore Christmas" ......Grandeur, Love & Hollywood All In One Movie!

There are many great Hallmark movies, but this one is one of the finest.

Set at the beautiful Biltmore during the holidays, Lucy Hardgrove, a screenwriter (played by Bethany Joy Lenz) is sent there to get some inspiration. There she finds an hourglass that when it’s turned upside down, sends her back to the 1940s when an original movie named “His Merry Wife” was produced.

She meets an actor that starred in the movie named Jack Houston (played by Kristopher Polaha) who was said to have passed away one year after the shooting of the movie. In typical Hallmark fashion, Lucy and Jack fall in love, but how does she tell him she’s from the future and wants to go back, but most of all how does she warn him about December 24, 1947, the day he supposedly died.

You’ll forget whatever else is on your mind while watching this one, because who isn’t intrigued by time travel? You’ll love the grandeur of A Biltmore Christmas, the clothes, the cars, the tinsel on the tree and the lingo of the 1940s. Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristopher Polaha do an outstanding job, just as they always do. We need a good fantasy every once in awhile.

Philippians 3:13 (NIV)

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead"

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"The Christmas Ring"

Ever wonder about the real story behind some of the things your Grandparents did or had to do? The history behind who they were and why?

This captivating story line is about a young woman, Kendra, played by Nazneen Contractor, who has been searching for her mother’s lost diamond engagement ring. After her father’s passing, she was never able to find it. She never passes an antique store without going in and looking at the antique jewelry with the hopes that some day she would find it.

Upon entering another antique shop and questioning the storekeeper, she is shown a ring that is very similar to her mom’s; however, it has an inscription in it that reads”My Christmas Love 1948″ Disappointed because her mom’s ring had no inscription, she decides that she would like to explore the history of that ring, thinking someone just like her would love to know where it was. She also happens to be a news writer with a passion for solving a mystery like her idol, Nellie Bly, and thought this would be a great story for her readers. She begins by researching the jeweler’s initials which leads her to a small town in New England.

Her infectious thirst for clues behind the story of the ring begins to create interest among some of the residents, and she gets some helpful leads. Until she meets Michael, played by David Alpay, the Grandson of the woman she believes the ring belongs to. Michael happens to be in the middle of his own and very public breakup with a celebrity, and thinks Kendra is really after a story about it. He’s very resistant, but she wears him down, and he begins to realize her only interest is in the story of the ring. As with any good story, there has to be some interference. That would be her Editor, who intervenes by making changes in Kendra’s submitted story of the Ring and alters it to be more about the Grandson of the owner, Michael ……and this rewrite is done without Kendra knowing.

A very comforting movie; full of heart-felt memories about the past. 

2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."

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"A Season For Miracles"

An action with right intention isn’t always popular and takes immense courage.

This is not the first time, Emily (Carla Gugino), a nursing student from Georgia has had to rush to Rhode Island to care for her sister’s children. Her sister, Berry (Laura Dern), has gotten herself into trouble, and Emily wonders if Berry will ever learn.

While Berry is in the hospital recovering from a near overdose, Emily takes the children to visit her. Upon their arrival, Emily is met with a State Social Worker, Ruth Doyle (Kathy Baker). Ruth questions Emily about how she will take care of the children. With Emily having no bank account, no history of living in R.I., the State feels the children should be in their custody. Emily, having lived that life with her sister as a child, will have no part of it.

When the Social Worker is called away for a moment, Emily leads the children out of the hospital, tells them to quickly get into the car and begins driving. She stays on the back roads hopefully to not be noticed and comes to a road sign reading “Bethlehem”. What perfect direction, especially during the Christmas Holidays; she makes the turn.

As the rain pours, they stop at a diner to get a bite to eat. Emily is carefully counting the remaining money she has and asks the waitress if she knows of a reasonable place to stay overnight. With everything full that is reasonable, the waitress (Patty Duke) who really is an Angel in disguise, tells her of a beautiful, vacant Victorian home right in the middle of town to check out. With no options and feeling desperate, Emily stops at this home, finds a hidden key over the top of the door and they enter the home. They would only be there for one night and wouldn’t disturb a thing. This was Emily’s only hope for a roof over their heads on this dark and dreary December night.

Neighbors see the activity at the house, but Emily is thought to be the nice of the deceased owner coming to finally make her claim. As the story unfolds, there’s one reason after another that detains them from leaving this charming, welcoming little town. Kismet happenings begin; almost like a guiding, protective Angel.

With no shortage on love in our beloved Christmas movies, Emily has a developing relationship with a local Police Officer, Nathan Blair (David Conrad), who is undeniably smitten. I don’t want to forget mentioning the part of (Lynn Redgrave), who is an insightful and humorous Judge.

Like Emily, we all need an Angel at times. If you’ve ever had something wonderful happen, out of the blue, something beyond your wildest hopes, it just may have been amazing grace and favor.

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Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

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"I'll Be Home For Christmas"

You can always go home.

Jackie who is an Assistant District Attorney and her daughter Gracie live a busy life driven by schedules and consistency, when an unexpected visitor arrives; her dad, Jack, who had left town three years prior after his wife’s and Jackie’s mom’s passing. Jack who is also a retired cop of over 40 years returns to attend the funeral services of a fellow fallen hero. He had contacted his daughter only on a few occasions since leaving town. He seemed to be running away from the memory of his wife and his work in the force. Naturally, Jackie resented him for leaving. The movie takes you through their serious and humorous struggles to become a family again, knowing that each wants the closeness more than ever.

An enjoyable performance by a young Giselle Eisenberg as Gracie and an amazing performance by both James Brolin, Jack, and Mena Suvari, Jackie , the three of them create a family unit that is stressful, but continually moving forward to an unbreakable family bond.

It happens many times that someone who maybe wasn’t the most attentive parent realizes how much they missed and how much they are enjoying making up for it. The movie also has a built-in love story and the help of a great police dog named “Nose”. Enjoy this one; I have many times. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) 

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you"

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"Love's Greek To Me" ....letting love in.

I think this movie can give many of us “food for thought”. Ilanna (Torry DeVitto) goes to Greece with her boyfriend, Mike (Yannis Tsimitselis) for his sister’s wedding. There she’s presented with a number of challenges, one of the most is Mike’s very Greek mother, Athena (Maria Sirtis). Athena is a big-hearted, very overbearing mother, who truly does not believe in privacy. Ilanna on the other hand is holding back completely out of fear. Her actions are noticed by Mike who addresses her distancing and tells her he feels at times he has to convince her to love him. This in not the case, she loves Mike very much, but is having a hard time opening up, trusting and fighting for their relationship. Ilanna comes from a broken home and is carrying those fears inside. The moment she hears of Mike’s concerns, she begins packing (running away from the situation). That’s when Athena steps up and admits that she’s been overstepping but also tells Illanna that she’s feared her need to keep distance instead fighting for her feelings for Mike. The cast did a marvelous job, the setting is glorious, nice movie.

I’ll stop there; but if you know you’ve held back in relationships just because you’re not familiar with receiving love or being nurtured (you understandably don’t know how to handle it) then this movie is for you. It gives a strong, loving teachable moment. You may be just as Ilanna.

Proverbs 3:3-4 (NIV)

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

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"A Very Merry Mix-Up"

Based on pure belief that there’s no such thing as coincidence and everything happens as it should.

Alice (Alicia Witt) is a perfectly innocent, wise young woman, who wants to hold on to her father’s memory by keeping his store. It’ more about following her heart than her pocketbook.

Her current (and wrong-for-her) fiance, who is in real estate, encourages her to sell her memories (the store) and become a multi-millionaire because of the store’s location. Alice realizes this man has no sensitivity or understanding of her feelings and who she really is.

She travels solo to meet her fiance’s family, as he is tied up at a meeting and will come in a day or so. While at the airport, she meets another man, Matt (Mark Wiebe), in the most peculiar and humorous way. His brother’s name is the same as her fiance’s from the same town. Naturally, both Alice and Matt think this is the family she is meeting. Alice falls in love with Matt’s family, their traditions and their heart-felt stories about their family as she’s waiting for her fiance to arrive.

The truth is, she’s been at the wrong house. Her fiance is Will Smith, Matt’s brother is Billy Smith.

As it is said so beautifully in this movie, “Life is about Timing, and Timing is Everything in Life and Love.” 

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”

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"Miracle on 34th Street" ....faith from an old 1947 classic.

🎅🤶🎄

Children imagine Christmas as a magical time, and everyone seems to be just that little bit happier and kinder. The Christmas Cards, the traditional foods, the lights and decorations   make everything cozier. Holiday movies were enjoyed long before there was the Hallmark Channel; I still watch them. One in particular had a life lesson that sometimes we all need to be reminded of:

“Faith Is Believing When Common Sense Tells You Not To”

This was said to little Suzie Walker, a girl who was losing faith, by her Mother, Doris in “Miracle on 34th Street” – 1947 with Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and Natalie Wood.

We can’t always explain how things happen out of the blue, when we least expect it and after we resigned ourselves to giving up, but sometimes they do. Faith is believing when there is no tangible evidence; it’s what keeps you hoping. Logic doesn’t always have its way.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

"Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

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